Shazam can't find the song: what to try next
Upload a cleaner clip here, or pick the method that fits why the first try failed.
Click to upload or drag and drop
wav, mp3, aac, mp4, etc.
Limit: Up to 2 GB
Only the audio is uploaded; the video stays on your device.
How to identify a song when Shazam can't find it
When Shazam or another identifier finds nothing, the clip is usually too short or noisy, the song is a cover or live version, it is a heavily sped-up edit, or it was never released. Try a longer, cleaner sample: upload the original file or a screen recording to AHA Music and choose the clearest moment, use the cover song identifier for covers and live versions, and hum the melody into the humming song finder if you only remember the tune.
- Find the cleanest source you can: the original video or file is better than a phone held to a speaker.
- Upload it above and pick a moment where the music plays without speech.
- For a cover or live version, try the cover song identifier.
- If you only remember the tune, hum it into the humming song finder.
Why a song identifier finds nothing
Audio fingerprinting matches a recording against released recordings. It is very good at the same recording played somewhere else, and weak at anything that changes the recording itself: a cover, a live take, a remix, a heavy speed or pitch change.
Most failures are about the sample, not the song. A few seconds recorded across a noisy room, or music under someone talking, may not contain enough of the song to match. The original file, a screen recording or a link scan usually gives a much cleaner sample.
Some music cannot be found by any identifier: unreleased tracks, a creator's own sounds, and production music written for a single video or ad.
Which method works when Shazam can't find it
| Method | Works |
|---|---|
| Upload the original file or a screen recordingCleanest sample; choose the moment where the song is clearest. | Yes |
| Paste the video linkScans the whole video, so it gets several chances at a clear moment. | Yes |
| Cover song identifierFor covers and live versions that do not match the studio recording. | Yes |
| Humming song finderWhen the song is not playing anymore and you remember the melody. | Yes |
When it fails, and what to do
- The sample was short or noisy.
- Use 10–30 seconds of clear music, from the file or a screen recording rather than the microphone.
- It is a cover or a live version.
- Try the cover song identifier.
- It is a heavily sped-up or slowed edit.
- Moderate changes match; for heavy edits look for the original title in the comments or sound page.
- The song was never released.
- Unreleased tracks, a creator's own sounds and one-off production music have nothing to match.
Questions about songs that are not recognised
Is AHA Music a Shazam alternative?
It is another free song identifier that works in the browser: from the microphone, an uploaded file, a video link or, with the extension, a browser tab. A different source of the same song is often what makes the second try work.
Why does a song match on one try and not another?
The sample changes: a different moment, less noise or less speech over the music. Try the clearest part of the song.
Can it identify classical music or film scores?
Released recordings are matched like any other track. A live orchestra or a different recording of the same piece may not match the one in the catalogue.
Is it free?
Identifying a clip is free and needs no account. Full File Scan needs a free account; it and link scans use daily scan time, and the pricing page lists the allowance.